Where Can I Get A Hermit Crab Near Me? Your Guide To Adopting These Endearing Pets

Hermit crabs make unique and fascinating pets. With their small size, minimal care requirements, and quirky behaviors, it’s no wonder these creatures have charmed their way into the hearts of many. If you’ve been considering getting a hermit crab as a pet, you likely have some questions. The most common one aspiring owners ask is, “Where can I get a hermit crab near me?”

I was once in your shoes, longing to adopt my own hermit crab but unsure where to find one. After doing copious amounts of research, I successfully located and adopted not just one but three of these captivating critters. Based on my personal experience, I want to share the various options available for procuring hermit crabs in your area.

Checking Local Pet Stores

The most straightforward approach is to check the inventory at pet stores near you. Chains like Petco and PetSmart often carry hermit crabs. I was able to get my first crab from Petco. The benefit of adopting from major retailers is the animals are captive bred as opposed to wild caught. This results in a crab more accustomed to handling and captivity.

The drawback is big box stores frequently lack variety. At the Petco near me, they only had purple pincher and Ecuadorian crabs available. While both make good pets, I hoped to find a more unique species. If you want something beyond the ordinary, a privately owned pet store may offer more diversity.

I found my strawberry hermit crab named Berry, at a local aquarium. The staff was extremely knowledgeable about proper hermit crab care. Thanks to their guidance, I felt confident bringing Berry home.

No matter what store you choose inspect the crabs carefully before purchasing. Look for active, alert crabs without signs of damage. Make sure multiple empty shells are available so they can switch into a preferred home. And don’t forget to research proper handling to avoid injuring their vulnerable abdomens!

Checking Online Listings

Another option is to check online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for hermit crab listings. Individual sellers sometimes rehome pet hermit crabs they can no longer care for.

I found an ad on Craigslist from someone whose child had lost interest in their two crabs. I gladly took Fred and George off their hands. The seller included the original tank setup. This allowed me to quickly integrate the crabs into my existing habitat.

When adopting through websites, exercise caution to ensure the animal and supplies are in good condition. There are also specialty sites like FaunaClassifieds where reputable breeders list hermit crabs and other exotic pets. This can be a good source for rarer species.

Attending Reptile Expos

For the greatest selection and unique varieties, visit a local reptile expo. These shows bring together exotic pet breeders and vendors from all over. At the last expo I attended, there were multiple booths with gorgeous, healthy hermit crabs.

I came home with two new additions – a black-handed crab named Sebastian and an electric blue crab aptly called Blue. These special morphs are harder to find in everyday stores. Going to an expo opened up options I didn’t even know existed!

The breeders were also extremely knowledgeable. They happily answered every question I had about properly caring for my new crabs. I highly recommend attending an expo if you want maximum choices.

Working with a Breeder

Finally, you can contact breeders directly. Specialty hermit crab breeders work to produce rare color morphs. They sell online and ship crabs to buyers across the country.

Working with a breeder is ideal if you have your heart set on a specific color or species. I wanted a red devil crab, one of the most striking morphs. The breeder I spoke with didn’t have any available but happily took down my information. Just a month later, he contacted me when a batch became available!

Breeders tend to be passionate experts. However, ordering a live animal online comes with risks like shipping mishaps. Make sure to thoroughly vet any breeder before purchasing from them.

Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Hermit Crab

Once you’ve located some hermit crabs, there are a few key questions to ask before adoption:

• What species is the crab? There are over 800 species. Some of the most common pets are purple pincher, strawberry, and Ecuadorian crabs. Know what type you’re getting.

• How old is the crab? Adopt juveniles or adults under 7 years old for longest lifespan as pets. Older crabs often won’t live long after adoption.

• Were they wild caught or captive bred? Captive bred adapt better as pets. Avoid wild caught crabs.

• What is the crab’s current habitat like? Find out if they are housed alone or with other crabs. Get details on their substrate, food, etc.

• Why are you rehoming the crab? Learn the reason to make sure there are no health issues or behavior problems.

• Will supplies be included? Getting the crab’s established tank and accessories makes for an easier transition.

Don’t hesitate to request photos and ask for detailed information. A knowledgeable seller will happily provide this.

Setting Up the Perfect Environment

Once you get your new pet home, focus on crafting the perfect environment. Hermit crabs are exotic pets with complex care needs. Setting up an appropriate habitat is the first step. Some key elements include:

• A secure tank or enclosure. A 10-gallon tank is suitable for 2-5 small crabs. Make sure the lid secures tightly.

• Coconut fiber substrate. This holds tunneling crabs safely. Mix in moss and bark to mimic their natural forest environment.

• Pools deep enough to submerge. Crabs soak to hydrate. Provide both fresh water and saltwater pools.

• Climbing toys. Driftwood, ropes, hammocks, etc. give them exercise.

• A heat source. Maintain a temperature of 70-80°F. Use an underwater heater and heat lamp.

• Humidity around 70-80%. Increase humidity with moist substrate, pools, and misting.

• Hiding spots. Plastic huts, shells, and plants give shades and cover.

• Enrichment. Rotate novel shells, toys, treats, etc. to stimulate them.

Hermit crabs are active pets. Take time to design an enclosure suited to their needs. And always quarantine new crabs before introducing them to others. Starting with a healthy habitat and proper quarantine prevents issues down the road.

Bonding with Your New Buddy

Hermit crabs have big personalities packed into a small package. Here are some tips to bond with your pet:

• Let them come to you at first. Reach into the tank slowly and see if they crawl onto your hand. Never grab at them.
• Sit near the tank when reading or watching TV. This acclimates them to your presence.
• Hand feed them treats like shrimp, fruit, greens, and pecans. They’ll associate you with yummy food!
• Give them new shells to try on. They’ll enjoy “upgrading” their home.
• Talk or sing softly when interacting. Get them used to your voice.
• Avoid loud noises, fast movements, and backlighting that scares them.
• Patience and respect go a long way. Let them adjust on their own time.

With regular, gentle interaction, your crab will learn to trust you. Always handle gently, avoiding their underside. Building trust is the first step in forging a bond!

Adopting a Hermit Crab enriches Life